Vilsack Confirmation Hearing On Track for Tuesday

In a hearing that will likely feature a lot of discussion about COVID-19 relief payments, the future of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and new efforts to integrate farming practices that can lower the industry’s carbon footprint are likely topics during Tuesday’s scheduled confirmation hearings for Tom Vilsack as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The role of CCC in the discussion is important; the federal funding mechanism will likely be tapped to fund future COVID-19 recovery efforts and the development of “smart farming practices” for U.S. farmers. On top of all of that, Vilsack is expected to discuss food security programs that fall under USDA’s responsibilities. Industry leaders like American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall say they hope Vilsack’s confirmation happens quickly given the challenges facing the industry right now. See more on the process.